About Us
Spiritual Yoga Experiences
Welcome to DarkZen, where we specialize in organizing and curating exceptional yoga experiences across the vibrant landscapes of the USA, Portugal, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Our mission is to offer transformative yoga retreats, courses, and journeys that connect you with the ancient wisdom of these regions, promoting holistic well-being and spiritual growth.
At DarkZen, we believe in authenticity, honoring the rich traditions of Yoga. Our carefully designed yoga experiences ensure you receive genuine teachings and practices, fostering personal growth and inner peace. We create safe and nurturing environments that prioritize your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Our vision is to become the leading provider of immersive yoga experiences, inspiring and empowering individuals worldwide. By promoting cultural understanding and sustainable tourism, we aim to contribute positively to the global yoga community. Join us in celebrating the diverse cultures of Asian countries such as India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
We are committed to sustainability and responsible tourism, minimizing our ecological footprint, and supporting local communities. Our values of community building, integrity, and transparency guide us in creating life-changing yoga journeys that resonate with peace, mindfulness, and personal empowerment.
Discover the magic of DarkZen and elevate your yoga practice with our exceptional retreats, courses, and journeys. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and serene landscapes abroad, and transform your life through the power of Yoga.
What Defines Us
Our Mission
At DarkZen, our mission is to curate authentic yoga experiences across the globe. We aim to connect individuals with the profound wisdom of ancient yogic traditions, fostering personal growth, inner peace, and a deeper connection with the Self and the world. Through meticulously designed yoga retreats, courses, and trips, we strive to create life-changing journeys that promote holistic well-being and spiritual enrichment.
Our Core Values
Authenticity and Tradition: We honor the rich heritage and traditions of Yoga, ensuring all our experiences are rooted in genuine practices and teachings from India.
Holistic Well-being: Prioritizing the physical, mental, and spiritual health of our participants, we create safe, supportive, and nurturing environments in all our yoga retreats and experiences.
Cultural Respect and Appreciation: We celebrate and respect the diverse cultures of the regions we operate in, promoting mutual understanding, appreciation, and responsible tourism.
Sustainability and Responsibility: Committed to environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices, we aim to minimize our ecological footprint and positively impact local communities.
Community Building: We believe in the power of connection, striving to build a supportive, inclusive, and global yoga community through our shared experiences.
Personal Growth and Transformation: Encouraging continuous learning and self-discovery, our experiences inspire personal transformation, empowerment, and enlightenment.
Integrity and Transparency: Operating with honesty, transparency, and respect in all interactions and business practices, we build trust and reliability with our participants and partners.
Our Vision
DarkZen envisions becoming the premier provider of immersive and authentic oga experiences across the world. We aspire to inspire and empower individuals from around the globe, fostering holistic well-being, cultural understanding, and sustainable tourism. Our goal is to create a network of transformative yoga journeys that resonate with the values of peace, mindfulness, and personal growth, contributing positively to the global and local yoga community.
Who We Are
Jessica Lynn, Founder/CEO
RYT-200, Certified Breath & Stretching Coach
A dedicated entrepreneur and a certified Yoga teacher through the Yoga Alliance, with a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the practice. Raised in the USA, she initially pursued a successful career in the tech industry but soon felt called to seek something more meaningful. Leaving behind the conventional American dream, she embarked on a transformative journey to India, immersing herself in the ancient wisdom of Yoga.
Surrounded by the serene beauty of the Himalayas and guided by the sages and mystics of the region, Jessica found profound inspiration in the purest traditions of Yoga. Her deep commitment to the practice has shaped not only her life but also her mission to share these timeless teachings with others. With a heart full of enthusiasm and a genuine desire to inspire, Jessica brings the essence of Yoga into every class she leads, creating an authentic and enriching experience for her students.
Rui Carvalho, Co-founder/Director
RYT-500
Rui, a certified Yoga teacher and Marketing professional from Portugal, has been staying in India since 2018, where his passion for Yoga deepened in the sacred city of Rishikesh. Immersed in the teachings of renowned masters, Rui has honed his practice in the heart of traditional ashrams, drawing wisdom from the rich spiritual heritage of the region.
Known for his kind heart and empathetic nature, Rui has become a trusted leader of Yoga retreats and teacher training courses. His warmth and dedication resonate with students, creating a supportive and enriching environment. He frequently collaborates with esteemed Yoga institutes in both Portugal and India, bridging cultures through his love for Yoga and its transformative teachings.
Our Guru / Spiritual Teacher
Swami Nirgunananda Giri
Sannyasin/Monk, Author, Spiritual Teacher
Swami Nirgunananda Giri is a Sannyasin / monk of the traditional Hindu order but offers practical teachings and transformative practices based on Yoga and Vedanta. He renounced the worldly life in his late twenties after a few years of trotting around the globe.
In the past over twenty-five years since, he formally undertook monastic training and served at an Ashram for over 12 years, participated in several silent retreats ranging from 10 days to three years, and studied/trained in the traditions of Indian Yoga, Advaita Vedanta, & has explored the teachings and practices of several schools of Buddhism. He received his Sannyasa initiation (monasticism) from the esteemed Kailash Ashram of Rishikesh in India.
Prior to settling in the Himalayan region, he has conducted teaching camps, workshops, and meditation retreats in US, India, Australia, New Zealand, and several countries in Southeast Asia. He has also authored four books.
Born in India, but having lived and served in other countries, Swami Nirgunananda draws on both his worldly experience and the wide range of spiritual trainings to which he was exposed. Successfully blending ancient Indian philosophical wisdom of the Vedas with practical Self-inquiry and Yogic practices that are uniquely suited to each individual, is his approach to assist students on their journey towards Self-Realization.
Trusted Partners
Pyramid Yogshala - Rishikesh, India
200RYS
Pyramid Yogshala, nestled in the heart of Rishikesh, India, offers an authentic and transformative yoga experience rooted in the ancient traditions of Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa. At Darkzen, we share Pyramid Yogshala's deep commitment to preserving the purity of these teachings and providing a supportive environment for personal growth. This shared vision has led us to partner with Pyramid Yogshala, bringing you exceptional yoga courses and retreats that deepen your practice and foster holistic well-being in the birthplace of yoga.
Together, Darkzen and Pyramid Yogshala offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of yoga amidst the serene beauty of the Himalayas. Our combined expertise ensures a comprehensive and authentic learning experience, from daily asana and pranayama to in-depth studies of yoga philosophy and anatomy. We believe in the power of yoga to transform not only the body but also the mind and spirit, and our collaborative programs are designed to facilitate profound personal growth and self-discovery.
Nikunj Arora, Yoga Teacher / Spiritual Guide
E-RYT-500
Born into a traditional and spiritual family in Rishikesh, North India, his journey of self-discovery began with a deep desire to understand the purpose of life. This quest led him to join The Divine Life Society, where 15 years ago, he embarked on a transformative path of Yoga and Spirituality. Along the way, he sought the wisdom of many realized masters and revered Gurus across India, gathering profound insights from their teachings.
As a Yoga Alliance certified E-RYT 500 instructor, yoga is more than a practice to him—it is a way of life, deeply intertwined with his very soul. His expertise extends beyond the physical postures, encompassing the rich depths of Yogic Philosophy and Meditation. With warmth, sincerity, and a genuine passion for sharing these ancient teachings, he infuses every class with a welcoming and uplifting energy.
At DarkZen, we take pride in collaborating with trusted Indian companies and entrepreneurs who share our values. Every partner we work with is carefully verified and personally known to us, ensuring the highest standards of quality, authenticity, and excellence. These partnerships allow us to deliver experiences that are not only genuine but also rooted in the rich cultural and traditional essence of India. Together, we strive to create something exceptional for you.
“It takes courage to face the darkness within and unwavering determination to transform it into light.”
— DarkZen Yoga